Oak Park Unified School District (OPUSD) is lowering its environmental footprint and saving money! The K-12 public school district, with 4,500 students, has a comprehensive sustainability program and was the first school district in California to receive the National Green Ribbon Award from the U.S. Department of Education and the E.P.A.

The District utilizes recycled shipping containers as classrooms, features indoor-outdoor learning spaces, and promotes “deep, nature-based learning.” The campuses include cool roofs, solar energy, battery energy storage, electric vehicle charging, bioswales, organic landscaping, green cleaning products, and much more.

The food cafeteria program is “plant forward” with only poultry options. Every tree on campus is registered and cared for. Students learn ocean literacy, and make a connection with the nearby Channel Islands. Their solar arrays generate 85% of campus energy use, saving approximately $400,000 a year in energy costs. 

Check out OPUSD’s Sustainability in Action, here.